2016 – Homophobia and transphobia affect all ages

The campaign for the 2016 International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia highlights the reality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) seniors.

Official partner

LGBT seniors

LGBT seniors experience the same aging-related issues that all seniors experience. However, studies of their living conditions show that many LGBT seniors also face special challenges. In general, they:

do not have a family support network as strong as that of heterosexuals;

are afraid of being subjected to homophobia and transphobia in senior settings and fear that they will have to hide their sexual orientation or their gender identity or expression;

are more prone than the average person to experience loneliness and depression and develop substance use disorders;

are more likely to contemplate suicide;

This situation is the result of hardships encountered during their lives. The criminalization, medical pathologization and religious condemnation of homosexuality and trans identity are the source of stereotypes, prejudices and stigmas that persist today. This failure to recognize their special circumstances, notably in settings where seniors live and receive services, has negative impacts on their physical and psychological health.

A few statistics on LGBT people aged 50 and over

39 % have seriously considered taking their lives;

31 % experience symptoms of depression;

21 % have not revealed their sexual orientation or gender identity to their general practitioner ;

The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia is observed every year on May 17th.

Spearheaded by Fondation Émergence, and for the first time in the world, a theme-day set aside for the fight against homophobia was organised in Québec on June 4, 2003, and designated as the “National Day Against Homophobia”. With the help of its partners, Fondation Émergence then strove to have this annual day take place on a pan-Canadian level. What’s more, countries such as Belgium, France and United-Kingdom caught on to the idea and set up similar events.

Despite greater recognition of LGBT people, homophobia and transphobia are still present in many countries in the form of discriminatory laws and the death penalty, for example. In other countries, despite the fact that LGBT people are entitled to equal treatment under the law, their rights do not carry over to everyday life. Social equality is not assured. That’s why it’s important to continue to raise awareness about LGBT realities in all settings and demystify prejudices and stereotypes.

Why May 17th?

May 17th is a symbolic day for homosexuals. Having been classified as an illness for many years, homosexuality was removed from the list of mental illnesses on May 17, 1990 by the World Health Organization (WHO).

New York State LGTB Health and Human Services Network, Herman, T., & Empire State Pride Agenda Foundation. (2000). Building community assets: lesbian, gay, transgender, and bisexual New Yorkers and their families: state of the state report 2000. Albany, NY: The Network.